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Samsung just unveiled its new Galaxy Buds 3. Here are the features I’m most excited about

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Galaxy Buds 3 (left) and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (right) in White.

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

During Samsung’s summer installment of its biannual Unpacked event, the company announced the latest generation of its flagship earbuds: the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro<!–>. 

Minor differences exist between the base model third-generation Galaxy Buds and the upgraded Pro model, with the biggest being their intended uses. Samsung says the base model Galaxy Buds sport an open design for those who plan on wearing them in environments with varying noise levels. In contrast, the Pro model sports a canal design for total audio immersion.

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Both earbuds have standout software features like Interpreter Mode and Voice Command, debuting with a new bud-and-stem form factor. However, the upgraded Pro model also has elevated audio features and internal components. Both earbuds have promising upgrades, but let’s discuss the best ones.

Interpreter mode

Interpreter mode is a new software feature in both of the Galaxy Buds 3 series earbuds. It allows listeners to hear a foreign language and have it translated directly into their ears when wearing them. This feature is powered by Galaxy AI, Samsung’s on-device and cloud-based AI model.

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According to Samsung, if you’re a student, for example, you can listen to a lecture in a foreign language, and the earbuds will automatically translate the lecture to your preferred language. However, Samsung notes that this feature is only available when the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are connected to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Galaxy Z Flip 6, omitting the flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 from the fun. 

It’s unclear if other Samsung smartphones compatible with Galaxy AI will receive Interpreter mode in the future.

Voice Command

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Galaxy Buds 3 (left) and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (right) in Silver.

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Another new feature in the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is called Voice Command, which allows you to have more hands-free control of your phone and earbuds. According to Samsung, you can complete commands like play, pause, or skip tracks without touching your earbuds or smartphone.

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I will follow up on this specific feature when I test the Galaxy Buds 3 later this month. I’m curious how it compares to Apple’s upcoming hands-free command software for its flagship premium earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2.

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro upgraded audio features

Samsung engineered the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with high-quality audio fanatics in mind. These premium earbuds will be released with enhanced two-way speakers and planar magnetic tweeters. The two-way speakers allow one speaker to handle lower-frequency sounds while the other is responsible for higher-frequency sounds. Thus, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s two-way speaker system should reproduce more precise, detailed sound than the second-generation Galaxy Buds and the base model Galaxy Buds 3.

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Additionally, higher-frequency sounds travel through planar magnetic tweeters, which use a thin diaphragm that sits between two magnets. Due to their thin design, planar magnetic tweeters should deliver easy-to-hear audio separation and instrumental distinction. According to Samsung, you can listen to high-quality audio, up to 24-bit/96kHz, over Bluetooth. However, this high audio quality is reserved for compatible devices only. These devices are the Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6<!–>, Galaxy Z Flip 6–>, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9.

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Honorable mentions

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which premium earbuds should you buy?

Here are the best new AI features coming to Samsung’s Galaxy foldable phones